A road trip across America's Coaster Belt

Cedar Point

Cedar Point

Brady MacDonaldLos Angeles Times Staff Writer

I’m setting off on a road trip across America's "Coaster Belt," hitting eight theme parks in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in just 10 days. Along the way, I'll visit some of the oldest amusement parks in the world and climb aboard classic wooden coasters, record-setting modern metal beasts and vintage flat rides.

I've visited most of the big theme parks in Southern California and central Florida, but my roller coaster résumé has always been a little thin at the parks in between.

As I started making my bucket list of must-see theme parks, I realized that many of the biggest coaster behemoths and oldest coaster classics weren't too far off Interstate 80, running between Cleveland and the East Coast.

After a bit of planning and some cajoling of my wife, Nancy -- my 11-year-old daughter, Hannah, needed no such coaxing -- the route was set for our trek to America's great coaster mecca.

Our trip will take us along 800 miles of highways to eight theme parks. It promises to be equal parts adventure, journey and mission.

I'll be posting dispatches and photos from each of the parks: Cedar Point, Kennywood, Idlewild, Lakemont Park, Hersheypark, Dorney Park, Knoebels and Six Flags Great Adventure.

I'm really looking forward to the trip, although I must admit I'm tired just thinking about it. I hope you'll join us on our travels and help us navigate each of the parks.

Lakemont Park (Altoona, Pa.)My travels will put me aboard five of the oldest operating coasters in the world, including the very oldest at this little park. I'll take a comprehensive look at the world's oldest coasters, many of which were built in the 1920s during the "Golden Age of Roller Coasters." Photos: World's oldest coasters

Hersheypark (Hershey, Pa.)After looking back at the past on my first few stops, I'll glance into the crystal ball at what's in store for Hersheypark in 2012. The chocolate-themed park has been conducting a teaser viral campaign that has ride enthusiasts tracking down clues and speculating about what many believe will be Hersheypark's 12th coaster. Photos: Hersheypark's coasters